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Spirituality and child welfare reunification: a narrative analysis of successful outcomes
Author(s) -
Lietz Cynthia A.,
Hodge David R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2206.2010.00752.x
Subject(s) - welfare , thematic analysis , narrative , honour , spirituality , family reunification , narrative inquiry , situated , psychology , faith , social psychology , developmental psychology , child protection , qualitative research , grounded theory , nursing , sociology , medicine , political science , social science , alternative medicine , theology , law , pathology , immigration , linguistics , philosophy , artificial intelligence , computer science
When children are removed from their families because of maltreatment, the child welfare system seeks reunification whenever possible. Despite the importance of this goal, little is known about families who are able to achieve and maintain successful reunification. This qualitative study conducted in‐depth interviews with 15 families who completed their child welfare case plans, were reunited with their children and remained together for at least 1 year post‐reunification. Narrative analysis using a combination of thematic and structural coding was completed to examine the strengths and process families discussed related to their successful child welfare outcomes. This paper discusses one of those strengths, spirituality, in greater depth. Specifically, 12 participants situated the strength of spirituality within their stories as an important narrative element they perceived as critical, leading to important changes. Findings highlight the benefits some families receive from their spiritual beliefs, practices and faith communities when working towards reunification, suggesting child welfare practitioners be prepared to identify and honour this family strength.